According to PAGASA Deputy Administrator Dr. Landrico Dalida, Jr., the country should prepare for two scenarios: that of Hagupit making landfall, and that of the typhoon changing track.
At present, there is a 75% chance that it will hit land, and 25% of it changing track.
"So far, as of this time, nakikita po natin na mayroong 75 to 25 percent ratio. Ibig sabihin, may 75% na mag-landfall, at 25% po na ito ay magre-curve," Dalida said.
He added: "Sa Sabado ng hapon, tatama ito sa Eastern Samar which is 75% po ang probability and 25% it will curve northward."
In case Hagupit makes landfall, the provinces of Eastern Samar, Cebu, Panay and Mindoro will be affected, before it exits through the West Philippine Sea by Sunday or Monday.
In case it changes track due to the effect of other weather systems in the area, Hagupit will bring rain to the provinces of Samar and Bicol region, as well as in Northern Midnanao.
Dalida added that it is important that all local government units should be prepared by Friday, which is very critical.
Once the typhoon hits land, it is expected to pack maximum sustained winds of 160 kilometers per hours, and gusts of up to 190 kph.
It may also bring storm surges 3 to 4 meters high in Eastern Samar, as well as 5 to 22 millimeters of rain.
Based on latest data from state weather bureau PAGASA, "Hagupit"was spotted 1,543 kilometers east of Davao City.
The typhoon, which will be named 'Ruby' once it enters the PAR on Thursday, was packing maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 170 kph.
Hagupit was moving west northwest at 30 kph.
44 provinces 'critical'
Forty-four provinces were also declared critical areas by NDRRMC and PAGASA. There provinces are expected to experience heavy to intense rains, and strong winds from 95 to 110 kilometers per hour.
These provinces are Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Aklan, Albay, Antique, Biliran, Bohol, Bukidnon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cebu, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Dinagat Island, Eastern Samar, Guimaras, Iloilo, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leyte, Marinduque, Masbate, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Northern Samar, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Quezon, Romblon, Samar, Siquijorr, Sorsogon, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur.
The provinces of Batangas, Davao del Sur, Laguna, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Zamboanga Sibugay are also expected to experience moderate to heavy rains.
The weather bureau warned the typhoon is bringing heavy rain, which could trigger flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) urged the public to heed warnings and to follow instructions given by local government officials.
In a press conference, NDRRMC Executive Director Usec. Alexander Pama asked residents of provinces on the typhoon's path to heed the warning from authorities.
"Ang umpisa po ng disaster risk reduction ay sa mga indibidwal, sa mga pamilya. At tayo po ay nakikiusap sa ating mga kababayan na tayo po ay makinig sa mga warning ng mga namumuno sa barangay, at kung puwede po ay sundin," Pama said.
He also warned fishermen from going out to sea once Typhoon 'Hagupit' enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it has prepared 100,000 family food packs ready to be distributed to those who will need assistance.
DSWD regional offices have also prepared 30,000 food packs per region.
The agency added that it has ensured that all food stockpiles will be kept safe in case their offices are affected by storm surges.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
